The Nigeria Football Federation is turning to an experienced hand at its secretariat as Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme prepares to assume the role of acting General Secretary today, following the resignation of Dr Mohammed Sanusi.
Ikpeme, who has served as the NFF’s Deputy General Secretary, is expected to officially take charge on Friday, August 28, providing interim leadership at the federation’s administrative headquarters in Abuja.
His elevation is aimed at ensuring continuity in the day-to-day running of the NFF as the federation enters another period of administrative transition.
Sanusi resigned from his position on Wednesday, bringing an end to his tenure as General Secretary and creating an immediate need for an interim arrangement at the secretariat.
Ikpeme’s appointment comes as the NFF continues to handle a range of domestic and international responsibilities, making continuity at the administrative level particularly important.
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Ikpeme is not new to the inner workings of Nigerian football.
He joined the NFF in 2007 as Deputy Secretary-General (Technical) before becoming Deputy General Secretary in March 2015.
His career has also extended beyond the federation. He previously lectured at the University of Calabar and served as Sole Administrator of the Cross River State Sports Council, gaining experience across both academia and sports administration.
That background has placed him in a position to provide stability while the federation determines its next substantive administrative arrangement.
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Ikpeme’s arrival in the acting capacity comes against the backdrop of proposed changes to the administration of Nigerian football, with attention also focused on the proposed Normalisation Committee expected to be named by the National Sports Commission.
For the mean time his immediate task will be to keep the NFF Secretariat functioning without disruption.
Ongoing programmes, competitions, administrative engagements and relationships with stakeholders will remain under the secretariat’s watch as the federation navigates the transition.
The change also means that the NFF will have to balance its administrative responsibilities with the wider demands facing Nigerian football at both domestic and international levels.
Further details on the federation’s administrative direction are expected from the NFF and the National Sports Commission in the coming days.
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